In the presence of rain showers, heavy snow or thunderstorms, when the speed of the wind increases sharply, it is known as the Squall. Squall occurs in severe weather conditions. They can be a part of tropical cyclones or they can have a separate existence. If the speed of the wind suddenly increases within a short period of time then it is referred to as the Squall.

Squall generally takes place in regions where the mid-level tropospheric cooling instigates localized upward movement of the wind. In the United States squall is used to refer to the increase of speed of wind by 18 miles per hour.

Different Names of Squall

Squall has been given different names in different regions. They are the following:

• Pamperos in Argentina
• Gully Squall in Central America
• Bayamo in Cuba
• Bull's Eye Squall in South Africa
• Barat in Southeast Asia

Characteristics of a Squall

Squall is characterized by thunderstorms and multi-cell cluster also called the multi-cell lines. They are also associated with cyclones and hurricanes at times. The Squall, which occurs independently also contain precipitation, lightning, funnel clouds and waterspouts.

Substantially low temperature and humidity are some of the other pre-requisites of squall.

Squall also features a frontal boundary. As squall grows in strength, the vertical wind shear that precedes the air current forms an angular shape by colliding with the frontal zone. Air current accompanying a squall becomes more powerful when it blows over the surface level. Dry wind entering into the squall line from the neighboring locality adds to its strength.